CERTAINTY AND FAITH

by: David S. Devor
Project Mind Foundation




Just a word on the controversial issues of "certainty"and "faith."

When we say "I am certain," in the strong psychological sense, we normally mean that we are willing to bet our life on whatever is at issue.

Obviously there are degrees of certainty and, in the conduct of science, these degrees make a big difference in the rate of discovery. For instance, if we are very sure of our theoretical ground, we are more likely to formulate and test a far-reaching hypothesis than if we were less certain. It is said that we walk on the two legs of certainty and faith. The more we feel we have a leg to stand on (certainty), the more faith we shall have in our ability to extend the other leg (faith) in the belief that it will land on solid ground gaining new purchase in reality. If it does, the confirmed hypothesis then becomes the new leg of certainty, standing on newly won ground, as the other leg prepares to extend itself in the act of faith needed to test the next hypothesis.

The point is that each of us must decide, at any given point, to what extent we are certain of our theories and are willing to risk our reputations and perhaps our lives to prove them and thus bring new knowledge and benefits into the world. A prime factor in this will be the degree to which we identify with our subject matter and immerse ourselves in it.

An interesting issue that bears on this is: How much more than the intellect does the mind encompass? Not all the variables in the creative process have been elucidated and the Eureka experience has not given up all of its secrets.